teflon

Thân thiện

A chef cooks eggs in a Teflon-coated frying pan.

Definition

Noun: 1. A synthetic polymer material: A brand name for a type of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a substance known for its extremely low friction and non-stick properties. It is used to coat surfaces to prevent other materials from sticking to them. 2. Metaphorical quality: Informally, the ability to avoid blame or negative consequences, often used in political contexts (e.g., "Teflon president").

Usage Examples

• Noun (Material):
  • The pan has a Teflon coating, so eggs slide right out.
  • Manufacturers use Teflon in bearings to reduce friction.
• Noun (Metaphorical):
  • Despite the scandal, the politician seemed to have a Teflon reputation, as no criticism stuck to him.

Advanced Usage

• "Teflon-coated": Describing an object that has been treated with Teflon.
  • A Teflon-coated baking sheet makes cleanup very easy.
• "Like Teflon": Used in similes to describe someone or something that easily sheds problems or criticism.
  • Accusations against him are like Teflon; they never stick.

Variants and Related Words

• Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE): The full chemical name for the substance Teflon is made from.
• Non-stick: A common adjective describing the primary property of Teflon coatings (e.g., a non-stick pan).

Synonyms

• PTFE (technical synonym)
• Fluoropolymer (category of materials including PTFE)

Notes on Usage

• Teflon is a registered trademark (of Chemours). In informal and many technical contexts, it is used generically to refer to non-stick coatings, though other brands exist.
• When capitalized, it specifically refers to the brand. The lowercase "teflon" is sometimes used for the metaphorical sense.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Teflon
• polytetrafluoroethylene